Three national associations for cancer research united in the same mission.
National associations for cancer research from Serbia, Croatia, and Türkiye (SDIR, HDIR, and MOKAD) successfully organized the 1st Regional Congress (SHM1RC) under the auspices of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) in conjunction with the SDIR-7 biannual meeting. The event took place in Belgrade, Serbia, from October 8–10, 2025, at the Zira Nobel Hotel – a symbolic meeting point at the crossroads of East and West, close to the place where the Sava and Danube rivers merge. This scientific gathering brought together cancer researchers from across Eastern Europe and beyond, creating an inspiring and collaborative atmosphere. Participants engaged in vibrant scientific discussions, shared innovative ideas, and established the foundation for stronger regional cooperation among researchers from underrepresented parts of Europe.
A distinguished scientific board led by Dr Milica Pesic, Dr Neda Slade, and Dr Sergi Castellví-Bel ensured a rigorous abstract review process and a carefully selection of speakers, guaranteeing high scientific quality throughout the meeting.
The congress was meticulously organized under the leadership of Dr Ana Damjanović Veličković (Serbia) and Dr Petar Ozretić (Croatia), who chaired the dedicated Organizing Committee, comprising members from the three countries.
Right – SHM1RC Organizing Committee
The congress was attended by around 300 participants, including speakers, clinicians, patient advocates and representatives of industry. The event brought together cancer researchers and stakeholders from 17 European countries and the USA.
Professor Evi Lianidou from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, gave an EACR-supported Plenary Lecture “The potential of comprehensive liquid biopsy analysis for the management of cancer patients”. Professor Karen-Lise Garm Spindler from Aarhus University – Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, gave a Plenary Lecture “ctDNA-Response evaluation criteria in solid tumors – significance for monitoring of patient outcomes”.
Patient-clinician-scientist educational interactive panel took place during the session Bridging patients and researchers.
Patients’ advocates addressed the main concerns related to participation in scientific/clinical research and emphasized the need to improve partnership between patients and researchers. Young scientists had an opportunity to discuss topics on career development in Meet the experts session. Scientific projects were presented during the Projects Hub session throughout the congress. At the very end of the meeting, participants discussed regional collaboration through a scientific session and an interactive panel.
Awards for the Best among the Best
As part of the congress program, researchers were recognized for exceptional achievements and for delivering high-quality abstract presentations during the closing Award Ceremony. Awards were available across three categories and seven participants were honored with awards.
EACR Awards were presented by EACR Board member Prof. Evi Lianidou to:
- 1st prize: Beyza Ozturk Sever, Bahcesehir University, Istabul, Turkey – Investigation of the effect of exportin-1 gene inhibition with Selinexor on glioma.
2nd prize: Vuk Gordić, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Serbia – The effect of novel diclofenac-based carbone-substituted prodrug on colon cancer cell lines and mouse-derived organoids.- 3rd prize: Ivana Banićević, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia – A 3D in vitro osteosarcoma model based on porous scaffolds and a perfusion bioreactor for preclinical applications.
2nd prize: Vuk Gordić, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Serbia – The effect of novel diclofenac-based carbone-substituted prodrug on colon cancer cell lines and mouse-derived organoids.
Additionally, the Molecular Oncology Journal for the best short oral presentation (Muhlis Akman, Türkiye and Janja Josic, Croatia), FEBSOpenBio Award for the best poster presentation in the category of young researchers (Josipa Jelačić from Croatia) and European Liquid Biopsy Society Award for the best abstract in the field of liquid biopsy (Dr Bojana Cikota Aleksic, Serbia) were awarded.
SHM1RC Social Activities
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, congress participants enjoyed a guided tour through the history and streets of the beautiful city of Belgrade, hosted by the National Tourism Organization of Serbia.
Participants of the SHM1RC meeting took part in a guided tour through the historic city center of Belgrade
Oncology Insights and proceeding book
The official journal of the society, Oncology Insights, launched in 2023, and the abstracts from the 1st SDIR-HDIR-MOKAD congress were published in the 3rd issue, available in both electronic and printed formats. You can explore the newest number as well as the SHM1RC Abstract book here: SHM1RC Abstract Book.
Previous issues of the journal are available online: Oncology Insights. We look forward to receiving your valuable research contributions to our journal in the upcoming period!
SHM1RC in media
The organization and successful execution of the 1st Regional Congress of SDIR-HDIR-MOKAD attracted significant attention not only from the scientific community in Serbia but also from the general public and the media. Prior to the event, SDIR President Dr Milena Čavić and Dr Ana Damjanović Veličković, Organizing Committee Chair were guests on the Radio Belgrade 2 program “Hocu da znam” (“I Want to Know”). By the end of the year, we expect several additional scheduled appearances on the national television and radio of Serbia.
We kindly thank the EACR’s continuous support dedicated to national societies affiliated with the EACR. The high participation interest and success of the first SDIR-HDIR-MOKAD regional congress marks a promising beginning for a long-term collaboration and growth of the cancer research community in this region of Europe reaffirming the EACR’s vital role as a driving force for scientific excellence and unity across the continent and beyond.
About National Societies affiliated with the EACR
SDIR, HDIR and MOKAD are 3 of the 14 National Societies that have chosen to affiliate with the European Association for Cancer Research and give their members EACR membership at no extra cost to each member. Click here to find out more about these affiliated National Societies.
